A blog dedicated to the Atlanta Falcons that provides the latest news and original discussions.

Falcons Win Another Close Game, Move to 10-1

The Atlanta Falcons (10-1) love playing (and winning) close games. Including today’s game, seven of the last eight games have been decided by a touchdown or less; the Falcons are 6-1 in those match-ups.

Atlanta took a hot divisional foe in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-5) at Raymond James Stadium and came away with a 24-23 victory.

Matt Ryan had his fourth 300-yard game in a row, throwing for 353 yards and a touchdown on 26 of 32 passing. However, he also threw an interception and lost a fumble on a blindside sack.

He overcame those two mistakes to lead the Falcons on what proved to be the game-winning touchdown drive with 7:55 left in the game.

Julio Jones came up huge after being listed as questionable with an ankle injury. He had six receptions for a career-high 147 yards and a touchdown, which was an 80-yard hook-up from Ryan.

Jacquizz Rodgers was active in both running and catching the football. He finished with 10 carries for 49 yards and a touchdown to go along with two receptions for 30 yards.

On paper, going up against the Falcons porous run defense looked to be a perfect match-up for Doug Martin. Although Martin found the end zone twice from one yard out, he was limited to just 63 total yards; Sean Weatherspoon’s return to the field paid immediate dividends.

Heading into the game, Josh Freeman had thrown multiple touchdown passes in six straight games. However, he failed to throw a touchdown pass today, going 19/30 for 256 yards and no turnovers.

Freeman’s top target, Vincent Jackson, hauled in five catches for 96 yards.

The Falcons dominated the first half, but the 10-10 halftime score didn’t reflect that. Atlanta’s opening 12-play, 67-yard drive took over seven minutes but ended with just a field goal.

The Bucs’ opening drive was 10 plays for 81 yards, took over six minutes off the clock and ended with a touchdown.

Atlanta had a chance to take the lead going into halftime, but Matt Bryant, who’s usually automatic, missed a 22-yard field goal. Bryant missed another field goal with 13 seconds left in the game.

On the previous drive, Tampa Bay had a chance to take a 26-24 lead, but Connor Barth missed a 56-yarder.

It’s a great road win for Atlanta, but they have no time to rest. The New Orleans Saints are coming to town for a Thursday Night Football showdown.

The Owner

Kendall became a fan of football in 2003 after playing Madden NFL 2003 for the PlayStation 2. Because he lives in Georgia, he chose to root for the Atlanta Falcons. He had no idea what he was getting himself into.